Amazon WTF?
Uh, you guys may want to tweak that algorithm a bit . . .
Hmmmm, so you think that buying a disposable $39 tool kit is best accessorized by a $2000 $1,299.88 Samsung HP-S4253 42" Plasma HDTV? Nice !
Saturday, April 14, 2007 | 05:28 PM | Permalink
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Maybe the Plasma HDTV is really poor quality and the toolkit is a good accessory for the TV.
Posted by: squik | Apr 14, 2007 6:37:43 PM
What's wrong with watching TV while you fix broken stuff around the house? You can even place one of those HDTV screens in your garage wall, using the tool set and ladder for that job of course ;)
Posted by: Lauriston | Apr 14, 2007 6:59:06 PM
only connection b/w the two is that they are both on EARTH...other than that HMMMMMMMMMMMM...
Posted by: SINGER | Apr 14, 2007 7:05:52 PM
I know! I know! It's because if you're buying a "home maintenance" tool kit, you must have taken out a HELOC, and if you are withdrawing mortgage equity, that means that 50% has to go to consumption, and surely your HELOC limit can handle a plasma TV.
Maybe you could lay that one on Luskin: who needs Goldman Sachs as evidence when we have Amazon?
Posted by: Tanta | Apr 14, 2007 7:16:32 PM
Barry, It's reverse recommendationology:
If you buy a plasma you would use the toolkit to install the $600 brackets you need for it.
Therefore, buying the plasma TV increases the value of the toolkit and is thus an accessory.
Posted by: Louis | Apr 14, 2007 7:55:37 PM
let me get that for ya
Posted by: scorpio | Apr 14, 2007 8:15:45 PM
"Assembly required"???
Posted by: semper fubar | Apr 14, 2007 8:46:03 PM
I believe Singer is closer to the truth. The algorithm is actually correct. Amazon figures you paid too much for the tool kit so you must have a lot of free cash flow or you are an impulse buyer. Therefore, you are a buyer that actually might purchase this TV along with the tool kit. Now the truth Barry...did you click on one of the TV recommendations just to check one of them out?
Posted by: David | Apr 14, 2007 11:07:08 PM
I bought a plasma TV set and they recommended that I buy a $39 tool repair kit.
Posted by: John Hargreaves | Apr 14, 2007 11:10:05 PM
I think it is kind of similar to the "Would you like fries with that?" suggestive marketing strategy McDonalds developed. A plasma tv is a perfect complement to almost any purchase.
Posted by: Sponge Todd Square Pants | Apr 15, 2007 12:09:54 AM
It must be a subtle problem to target ads successfully in a mass-algorithmic manner, and I bet lazy (read cheap) ad-hoc solutions abound. It certainly looks that way!
Posted by: Eric | Apr 15, 2007 1:38:04 AM
There's nothing in a TV set (plasma or otherwise) that can't be fixed with a hammer.
Especially what it displays.
Posted by: Jim Bergsten | Apr 15, 2007 1:52:06 AM
This algorithm match had way more to do with the number of folks buying Plasma TVs (everyone) than it did with the algorithm's flaws.
Posted by: mdcphilly | Apr 15, 2007 8:52:52 AM
everyone knows the best accessory for a toolkit is a jet ski
Posted by: rob | Apr 15, 2007 9:09:06 AM
Amazon needs to begin using the user friendly Al Gore ythms. Buy the tool set and up pops an anti global warming kit complete with instructions and a merit badge.
Posted by: Ross | Apr 15, 2007 9:51:15 AM
One reason for this recommendation could be because “Home Maintenance Tool Set” contains a word “Home”; therefore, Amazon computer “thinks” that you are buying something for your home and might also be interested in relatively inexpensive plasma TV (profitable for Amazon high ticket item). Another reason could be that Amazon is desperate and needs to reduce inventory.
Posted by: V L | Apr 15, 2007 11:14:59 AM
A plasma TV tuned 24/7 to CNBC would provide no end of inspiration as to exactly where to stick some of your new tools.
Posted by: Rob Dawg | Apr 15, 2007 11:26:58 AM
Well, we see why you are writing a blog instead of running a vast retail operation.
Posted by: wally | Apr 15, 2007 12:36:50 PM
i bought that TV @998 during black friday...great inflation dude!
Posted by: sam | Apr 15, 2007 8:02:58 PM
At least the suggestion is easily ignored on the web. My wife has ended-up on a marketing list (request for removal "in process") that has given us the following snail-mail:
-field and stream magazine (miss)
-dc comics (miss)
-playstation hints magazine (miss)
-coastal living (miss since geared toward seniors, but we do like to skim)
-car and driver (miss)
-some electronics catalog (miss)
-assorted household goods catalogs of varying purpose and style (mostly tacky, misses all)
-some baby magazine (hit! though it goes straight to the recycling bucket)
I suspect they're waiting for the "hit" to come back to narrow the focus. Perhaps Amazon uses a similar algorithm.
Posted by: anon | Apr 16, 2007 2:13:01 PM
Maybe Jeff Spicoli works for Amazon now:
"My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it."
Posted by: John F. | Apr 16, 2007 8:05:29 PM
